Springfield daily republic. [volume] (Springfield, O. [Ohio]) 1887-1888, 1887-11-15
IN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO
IHE SOLCTION OF THE LABOR PRcB-

- = 80
LEN.
We find in the Christian Union, OF New
York, tedited by Rev. DIR. Lyman Abbott.
and Mr.. Hamilton W. Mabie.) an editorial
on some statements which have recently
appeared in the Manchester (England)
Daily Post, illustrating the harmonious re-
lations which may be established between
corporations and their employees. 1t is
stated that the Manchester, Sheffield and
Lincolnshire railway company recently suf-
tered very serious losses As the result Of a
great disaster occurring on the line. This
becoming known to the employees, they Of
their own accord, held meetings to consider
what they could do for the relief Of the
company. Everywhere they resolved to
contribute their wages for several days,
varying according to their pay, but aver
aging about week for all. This was GER
tainly extraordinary, but when the delega-
tion representing the men, presented this
offer to the directors, another extraordinary
fact materislized. The directors expressed
their appreciation of the actiC n Of the men.
but declined the offer on the ground that
the stockholders were much better able to
bear the loss than the wage-workers. One
of the directors characterized the attitude
of the men as wholly unprecedented, and
said tina; it marked a new epoch in the rela-
tions of capital and labor. And now here
comes the milk in the cocoanut. as We find
it stated in the Union:
From the speeches that were made it was
obvious that the loyalty of the men 10 tie
company was simply a very generous re-
turn for the good Treatment which had
been accorded to themselves. The CON-
pany had for a considerable period made il
its duty 10 assist the men in providing
against rainy OF stormy day. mutual
prOvident society had been formed aud a
savings bank established. The latter has
been in existence twenty eight years, has
,, .0l depositOrs, and ESi3.000 in accumu-
lated funds. During the past year We have
had incident after incident showing that
nothing pays employers worse than bad
treatment OF their men. The case just re-
ported shows with equal clearness that
nothing pays better than good treatment.
Ii in any department of enterprise it is
more difficult than in any other to establish
friendly cooperation between employers
and their men. it is on railway lines. That
corporations have 10 souls is a time-hon
ed provsrb, that has been worn bald headed,
but We have here shown remarkable state
of friendly feeling between capital" and
''labor"-one, indeed, that could hardly be
disturbed IN,
the cause for this state of things is plain
The managers of the road had treated their
employees as men should BE- treated, and
in their true msnliness they showed their
appreciation OF their course
The Bee Line managers have. on this
side of the ocean, pursued course some
what similar 10 that pursued by the Man
chester company. They have a reputation
FOR selecting good men 10 do their work
and for treating them properly, as if they
were human beings and American citizens,
and their employees have &C. c. c. 4 |. |
Mutual Benefit Association" that covers |
the same field as that occupied |
by the employees of the Manchester road. |
The Nanderbilts of the present period are
also showing much courtesy and helpful at
lention TO the employees of the great central |
system.
1t does not seem necessary. in the light of
hese facts. that capital and labor-neither Of
which can prosper in industrial enterprises
without the aid and cooperation of the
,ther-should be hostile instead of friendly.
But the fri-ndliness should be manifested
Iy both parties-should be mutual. hearty
and practical. Capital should conscien-
aoasy seek to improve and aid labor. and
abr should show practical appreciatton
If capital when it assumes All attitude OF
his sort. And it usually does; always
when it is intelligent and honest, and is
lot of that alien element that flies the red
lag. ta